Mine is 4FGCC-E - late 2014.

I thought I had that McSpadden code worked out but this must be Ginger (g) Walnut (w) back & sides, Redwood (r)Top. Should have a couple more letters though. First, # of Strings, F or S (flat head or Scroll head), Shape (h Hourglass t teardrop), then type of wood for side & back, then type of wood for top). the letters for custom fittings.

Have i got this right?

Love mine, too.  It's standing right here beside me.

Played it at club last thursday and it sounded good but have not quite got used it to it. It is so pretty. I am thankful.

Nellie

How is that Ginger Nellie?  I used to have one and i loved it.  It went to a new home - a really good friend of mine who had some physical issues and had trouble playing a full sized dulcimer.  She was really happy with it, as I hope you are!

Happy strumming, Nellie! 

Ditto on 'grain pattern'

That's certainly NOT "wear dirt".  That's just natural changes in the wood's grain pattern and density!

Nellie -- without seeing the pictures you are looking at we simply cannot tell anything about the instrument.  Post the pictures here so we can help.

You said: "Is wr walnut and redwood? If that is true than not plywood so should not darken?"

Plywood does not darken compared to solid wood in any scenario I've seen in over 60 years as a woodworker.

could be just the picture... it's hard to take pictures in the house is my experience... you can't really go wrong with a mcspadden.   

Hi, I am supposed to meet someone about 1.5 hours away and the pictures look good except the back of dulcimer at booth ends looks somewhat darkened. Is this wear from playing? Is wr walnut and redwood? If that is true than not plywood so should not darken? Little lost here. Been trying to buy a good used ginger for quite a while now.

Thanks Nellie,